PH Embassy in Damascus Hosts Diplomatic Reception to Mark Kalayaan 2019
Charge d’ Affaires (CDA) and Consul General Alex V. Lamadrid delivers his Independence Day address to mark the 121st Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence at the Dama Rose Hotel, Damascus on 11 June 2019. (Damascus PE photo)
DAMASCUS 26 June 2019 — For the first time since the start of the Syrian crisis, the Philippine Embassy in Damascus, headed by Charge d’ Affaires (CDA) and Consul General Alex V. Lamadrid, hosted a diplomatic reception in the Syrian capital to mark the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence at the Dama Rose Hotel on 9 June 2019.
About 200 guests from the diplomatic corps, high-ranking government officials, Syrian businessmen, and members of the Filipino Association in Syria (SAMAFIL) attended the event. Among the high ranking officials who graced the occasion were the Minister of Transport Engineer Ali Hahmoud, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Director of the Asia Department Dr. Shafik Dayoub, representing MFAE Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Faisal Mikdad, and MFAE Chief of Protocol Hamzeh Al Dwalibi.
Director Dayoub delivered the message on behalf of Deputy Foreign Minister Mikdad. The Deputy Minister congratulated CDA Lamadrid and the Filipino people on their celebration of Philippine Independence Day. He also extended the Syrian government’s appreciation of the Philippines’ continued presence in the country, and the strong bond of friendship and cooperation that the two countries and their peoples enjoy.
“Our presence today with this group of elite guests and friends reflects the strong friendship bonds and cooperation between our people and countries and it assures our mutual readiness to develop these relations and advance aspects that will benefit both countries and peoples,” Deputy Foreign Minister Mikdad’s message for the occasion read.
In his remarks, CDA Lamadrid invited attention to the theme for the year’s celebrations, “Tapang ng Bayan, Malasakit sa Mamamayan” (Courage of the Nation, Compassion for the People). He underscored the importance of learning from the sacrifices of Filipino heroes, foremost of which is Dr. Jose Rizal, who gave up their lives to fight for Philippine independence from Spain.
He also recognized the contributions of the overseas Filipinos who are considered as the heroes of the new generation. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the officers and members of SAMAFIL, the Filipino Association in Syria, who performed the song and dance numbers during the reception.
CDA Lamadrid noted the excellent bilateral relations between the Philippines and Syria, and strongly encouraged greater political and commercial engagement. He wished the Syrian people, peace, progress and prosperity.
After enjoying the cultural performances, the guests were treated to a sumptuous spread of Filipino food. END
CDA Lamadrid (third from right) welcomes the Transport Minister Engineer Ali Hahmoud during the celebration of the 121st anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence (second from right). (Damascus PE photo)
CDA Lamadrid (fourth from left) enjoys the cultural performance of the SAMAFIL Dance Troupe together with Minister Ali Hahmoud of the Transportation Ministry (sixth from left), Director of the Asia Department Dr. Shafik Dayoub, (seventh from left) and Honorary Consul General Wassim Nanaa of Philippine Consulate General in Aleppo (leftmost)
For more information, visit www.damascuspe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSyria/.